The veteran's cervical spine fusion with degenerative disc disease and episodic right upper extremity radiculitis is rated at 10 percent prior to July 31, 2005; 20 percent from August 1, 2005 to March 22, 2007; and 30 percent thereafter. The veteran's degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The veteran's cervical spine fusion with degenerative disc disease and episodic right upper extremity radiculitis was found to meet criteria for a 30 percent rating as of March 23, 2007. The thoracolumbar spine disability has been rated at 20 percent since its initial grant.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, Cervical spine fusion with degenerative disc disease and episodic right upper extremity radiculitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- October 17, 2008
- Citation
- 0835652
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0835652.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent prior to January 13, 2022. Effective March 18, 2020, the Veteran is granted TDIU.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received for the Veteran's claims of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine and obstructive sleep apnea. As a result, these claims are being remanded to allow for further review.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted entitlement to Chapter 33 educational assistance benefits at the 100 percent rate due to his service-connected back disability and discharge from active duty.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his lumbar spine disability. The Court granted a JMPR, which required the Board to address pain on passive range of motion and nonweight-bearing testing. The case is now remanded due to inadequate examination documentation.
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